I don’t think the police have the power to declare a weapon to be deactivated. The law states that a deactivated weapon must have been inspected by a proof house (London or Birmingham) and the relevant parts stamped accordingly, until that has been done the weapon is still classed as a live firearm. Certainly your local firearms officer would be a good start,if there is one, and even they can be vague on details. I could tell you one hell of a story, but not here!
Here’e my 1942 MG 34 with 1938 Lafette tripod…again sadly sold..I had a big clearout last year..
Even if its a bent rusty piece of junk it will still have to be inspected at a proof house and any work done to make it legally dectivated. As to what happens if you find a gun in wreck, it may well still be owned by the MoD. Say you find a Luger in your recently deceased Grandads attic, you would have to inform the police, if there is ammo they will probably be around poste haste, if not they will prob ask you to hand it in at the nearest nick,where,after checking to see if has a criminal history, it will be sent for disposal or if historically significant, to a suitable keeper.
Now, I think you should be able to ask to keep ownership, have it collected by licenced dealer who would be able to send it for deactivation for you,that will cost though, but deacted Lugers are fetching £1k plus depending on rarity.
Here’s mine…sadly sold last year.
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